View full sizeThe Cleveland Botanical Garden's 8th Annual Sustainability Symposium on Saturday, Jan. 26. will focus on climate change. One of the topics will be "Green Gardening for Winter Interest."Plain Dealer file

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The weather has been kind of crazy recently.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced last week that 2012 was the hottest year on record for the continental United States, breaking the previous mark set in 1998 by a wide margin.

In January 2012, most of Ohio shifted from Zone 5 to Zone 6 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Plant Hardiness Zone Map, reflecting sustained warming in the Buckeye State and much of the country.

Scott Sheridan, professor of climatology at Kent State University, will offer some insight at the Cleveland Botanical Garden's 8th Annual Sustainability Symposium on Saturday, Jan. 26. Sheridan, the keynote speaker, will give a talk titled "Climate Change and Our Future Environment." He'll discuss new climate trends seen in this area, and future changes in weather patterns.

Sheridan is one of several speakers appearing at the sustainability symposium, which has a different theme every year. Renata Brown, the garden's associate director of education, saysin previous years, the symposium has been about sustainability as it applies to waterways and backyard gardening.

"The reason we chose global climate change this year is because it is happening and will continue to," Brown says. "We are working in front of the curve."

Sustainability is also about sustaining yourself, says Brown. That's why the symposium is offering classes in tai chi and yoga.

From interesting ways to protect your plants from ice and wind to surprise placement of art and plants as focal points, you'll learn how to make the most of your garden in winter with sustainable practices.

Pick up tips for helping your tropical plants to thrive indoors during the winter months, including guidelines for lighting, temperature and watering. Plus, learn why it's healthier for you to have these plants in your home all year long.

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